Thrifty gifting yields budget-friendly deals on unique finds

Need to stretch your dollars this holiday season? You’re not alone. According to a recent 2025 Holiday Report published by ThredUp, one of the largest online resale platforms, most consumers are planning to spend nearly 40% of their total holiday budgets on secondhand gifts. That’s a 10% increase from the 30% typically spent on resale the rest of the year. But saving isn’t the only reason shoppers opt for resale goods. It’s also for uniqueness and quality. Luckily, the Queen City offers a treasure trove of budget-friendly items, both new and used. You just have to know where to look.

If you’re shopping for kiddos…

Check out Once Upon a Child, with locations in a handful of neighborhoods including Hyde Park, Anderson and Western Hills. You’ll find clothes and shoes, including snow gear, plus tons of toys. Shopping here means you can wrap up multiple gifts for the same amount you might spend on one new full-price item.

If you have sporty kids on your list, Play It Again Sports is a must, with multiple locations throughout Cincinnati and one in Florence. Full-price gear can really add up quickly, especially for junior players who may just be trying out a new sport.

Round out your list with a stop at Half-Price Books. Yes, it’s packed with novels, memoirs and coffee table tomes, but it also offers puzzles, games, coloring books, stickers and other kid favorites.

If you’re shopping for fashion…

Especially if you’re looking to score handbags, scarves, leather gloves and other truly unique items, thrift stores like St. Vincent de Paul and Snooty Fox never disappoint. It can also be a double feel-good trip if you donate (or sell) at the same time you shop. During the winter months, St. Vincent de Paul is always looking for warm winter coats for those in need. Snooty Fox will buy your high-quality used items, which can further offset your gifting costs.

Another huge bargain clothing hot spot is the Gap Outlet, near the airport. If you’ve never been, it’s truly worth a trip. In addition to Gap overflow, you can also sift through Athleta, Old Navy and Banana Republic merchandise. It’s really a grab-bag experience with a changing mix of clothing, shoes, underwear and socks for all ages, from babies through adults.

If it absolutely has to be one-of-a-kind…

Head to family-owned Bizarre Bazaar in Anderson, which boasts an eclectic mix of charming ornaments and decorations, one-of-a-kind jewelry, unique mugs, picture frames, purses, robes, scarves, hats, original artwork, puzzles and so much more. Oh, and a kids’ corner, too! It’s been run with loving care by Maureen Searcy and her family for over 35 years. “We’ve got pretty many gifts that anyone can come and buy something for under $10,” says Searcy. Over the decades, they’ve honed an approach of dedicated “searching and hunting” that results in a wide variety of things sourced from over 200 people and places. While the vibe is vintage, most of their items are actually new. “We like stuff that has a vintage look to it, but there are all kinds of styles here,” explains Searcy.

If you’re shopping for antique lovers…

You may already have your go-to antiquing spots, or you can try the ones from this Soapbox list this holiday season. Faded Finds in Ft. Thomas is particularly packed with holiday cheer at this time of year, if you need a festive seasonal gift you will absolutely not find anywhere else.

Also keep in mind the Riverside Centre Antique Mall, a warren of mixed-up treasures arranged in sellers’ booths. A bonus here is – if you grow hangry while gift-hunting, you can always take a break for some good eats at the SwampWater Grill.

If you’re shopping for musicians…

Particularly if you’re in the market for a piano, have the space for it and a way to get it from point A to B, you can score a beautiful piano for free on Facebook Marketplace. Most are uprights, but there’s even the odd baby grand available gratis. Guitars of all types and colors are very reasonably priced. You can also find drums, trombones, accordions, violins and saxophones.

If you want the cook to kiss you…

Sally’s Treats & Treasures in Spring Grove Village offers a wide selection of lightly used, affordable kitchenware. Whether it’s a frying pan, a serving bowl or a kitchen gadget, you’ll find everything a home cook could want. “We are always changing our stock,” says owner Elaine Richardson. “We bring hard-to-find vintage goods back to ‘like-new’ condition.” If you have an old mixing bowl that you remember from your grandmother’s kitchen, you know the simple pleasure of kitchenware with character. “The most common phrases I hear in the store are: ‘My grandmother had one of these’ or ‘I remember those from my childhood!,’” shares Richardson. Finding a treasure here is a wonderful way to give a gift that will strike a beloved memory.

Happy holiday thrifting!